THE Mayor of Westbury, councillor Stephen Andrews presented three local organisations with awards at the annual Civic Awards ceremony last month, in recognition of their contributions to the town over the past year.
Civic awards were presented to Westbury Shed, Westbury Festival and the Westbury branch of the Royal British Legion.
The Mayor said, “The Civic Reception was very well attended and supported by 87 guests from local organisations and businesses.
“I was delighted with how the evening went and I would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening a success. In particular, the Cadets from ATC Squadron, Westbury Town Council and our photographer, Beth Murtie, who is a student at Matravers. Everyone did a brilliant job.
“Thank you also to those who took part in the raffle, it raised £510 which will go towards my chosen charities.”
Dan Gmaj collected the award on behalf of the Westbury Shed group, which has been running for just over a year in the town.
Cllr Andrews said, “The Shed has already made a considerable and enduring mark on the town. They have taken on two allotments and produced a considerable crop of vegetables in the first year. They also have a small workshop in Alfred Street where they refurbish a number of fingerpost signs for the town council, hence the enduring mark.
“They also constructed Santa’s Grotto which will be used for many years at our annual Christmas Fayre. In addition, they have constructed a spiritual garden for Westbury Junior School.
“They have also successfully obtained funding from the Area Board which will help them set up another base from which to operate, securing their status for years to come.
“All in all, quite a volume of achievements in one year.”
Chair of Westbury Festival, Ian Cunningham received the award on behalf of the Festival committee, who are busy preparing for this year’s festival, now in its tenth year.
The mayor said, “The committee have, over the years, expanded both the number of events and the range. The range of events has now moved out of its original music and arts base to incorporate such diverse activities such as brewery visits and photography competitions.
“Over the years, the festival has definitely raised the profile of Westbury and is now hoping to expand the horizon of what it offers. Westbury Festival is in discussion with the town council to enable it to have a more secure financial footing. Hopefully, such a partnership will enable the festival to fulfil its aim to expand the scope of what it is offering and to ensure that it can attract an even higher standard of participation and provide a platform for local talent.”
Finally, on behalf of the Westbury branch of the Royal British Legion, president Eddie Bridges accepted the Civic Award.
The mayor said, “The Royal British Legion has been active in the town for the last 70 years and in that time they have contributed immensely to the life and fabric of the town.
“Aside from organising the annual remembrance service every year, the legion also organise the Poppy Appeal and they manage to raise more money every year – an amazing achievement. I cannot begin to estimate how much money they have raised in total, but it must be considerable.
“So, for such devotion to duty and service over such a long period of time, I feel it is only right and proper that the Westbury branch of the Royal British Legion should receive a Civic Award.”
